House GOP Leaders Call on Embattled Rep. Gonzales to Drop Reelection Bid

Congressman faces ethics probe over affair with late staffer who died by suicide

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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House Republican leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, have called on embattled Rep. Tony Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid amid an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations that he had an affair with and sexually harassed his former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide.

Why it matters

The calls for Gonzales to drop out come as the Republican party is facing a narrow majority in the House, and losing Gonzales' seat could jeopardize their control. However, GOP leaders appear to be prioritizing ethics and accountability over political expediency in this case.

The details

Text messages reportedly showed that Gonzales pressured Santos-Aviles to share a sexy photo and asked about her favorite sexual position, despite her warnings that he had gone too far. Gonzales has since admitted to the affair, saying he "made a mistake" and had a "lapse in judgment." He is heading into a tough primary runoff in May against a pro-MAGA challenger.

  • On March 5, 2026, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders called on Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid.
  • The House Ethics Committee announced it was launching an investigation into Gonzales' conduct earlier this week.

The players

Mike Johnson

The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Tony Gonzales

The embattled Republican Congressman from Texas' 23rd district who is facing an ethics probe over an alleged affair with a former staffer.

Regina Santos-Aviles

Gonzales' former staffer who died by suicide last year after allegedly having an affair with the Congressman.

Brandon Herrera

Gonzales' pro-MAGA conservative challenger in the upcoming Republican primary runoff election.

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What they’re saying

“Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues.”

— Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

“In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election.”

— Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

“I would like to thank Speaker Johnson and House leadership for holding Congressman Tony Gonzales accountable for actions that have tarnished the office. I'm looking forward to representing the district the way the people of West Texas have always deserved.”

— Brandon Herrera (X)

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee investigation into Gonzales' conduct is ongoing, and the outcome could further impact his political future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Republican party's struggle to balance ethics and accountability with the need to maintain a narrow House majority. It remains to be seen whether Gonzales will heed the calls to withdraw from the race, or if he will fight to keep his seat despite the serious allegations against him.